Bailey, John W.

About the author: Dr. Bailey received his PhD from Marquette University. He is currently Professor of History and Chair of the History Department at Carthage College. Previous books include Pacifying the Plains: General Alfred Terry and the Decline of the

1998 0-7734-8356-XDetails King's life from youth, West Point Military Academy, military duty and marriage in New Orleans during Reconstruction, an instructor's position at West Point during the time of the first black cadets, military duty in Arizona against the Apaches, Sioux, and Northern Cheyenne in the northern plains. In civilian life, King wrote for the Milwaukee Sentinel, taught at the University of Wisconsin, and helped found the modern Wisconsin National Guard which he led in action during labor strife in the 1880s. His writing career produced 66 books and over 250 articles, covering the Civil War, Indian Wars, and Spanish-American War, in which he also served.
“. . . a labor of love. . . . well-written and straightforward account of King’s life and careers. . . particularly strong on the details of King’s life as a West Point cadet during the Civil War and on his activities and interest in New Orleans during Reconstruction. Descriptions of military action are clear and compelling. Bailey’s greatest contribution may lie in his thorough discussion of King’s novels, especially of the character types King employed and of his portrayal of Indians. . . . Those interested in both the culture and the popular image of the United States Army from the Civil War to the era between the World Wars may find this to be a worthwhile addition to their bookshelves. Those interested in Charles King will find it useful to have so much biographical data compiled in one place.” – Nebraska History